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    The Wharf Boathouse

    4.6 (14 reviews)

    The Wharf Boathouse Photos

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    Carlos C.

    Have come to the Boathouse at The Wharf many times for Kayaking and the process is always super easy! A fun way to spend a weekend afternoon

    Next to the boathouse
    Edith M.

    The gentlemen were very helpful and the rental of kayaks was very easy. The young men at the dock were also very welcoming and helpful.

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    20 days ago

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    10 months ago

    Decent rental price, nice staff, dirty water. I don't recommend stand up paddle board because the dirty water will get all over you.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Ask the Community - The Wharf Boathouse

    Review Highlights - The Wharf Boathouse

    The boathouse attendant provided excellent help getting in and out of the kayaks.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse

    Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse

    3.7(16 reviews)
    1.1 miNavy Yard

    I am accustomed to wonderfully friendly and accommodating kayak companies and this one did not hit…read morethat standard. Booking was easy enough, and we checked in at the main dock, then walked down to the launch. The employee who was assisting with the kayaks seemed very tired and uninterested. We had some questions about kayaking parameters, and he responded with short, off-putting, counters. Upon entering my kayak, I saw that the interior was wet and I asked for a dryer option. He said it was not available, and the water quickly soaked into my clothes. It was one of those moments, where I looked at the stacks of kayaks and wondered why a different one was not available. Once on the water, the sights are cool! But be aware, you cannot access the tidal basin. It was a fun way to explore DC even with wet clothes.

    My partner and I rented two hydra-bikes and we had a great time. The folks helping us were laid…read moreback and helpful. I think that type of easy-going approach is odd for some people, but we really enjoyed not feeling rushed, judged, or overwhelmed with lots of info and overzealous customer service. We got a quick explanation of how to ride and where to ride and were off. They let us leave 10min early and still honored our entire 1hr reservation. We saw other kayakers and folks on the hydra-bikes and everyone was all smiles. The views from the river are so nice! I want to find a place like this back home- simple, no frills, and fun!

    Photos
    Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse
    Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse
    Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse

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    Thompson Boat Center

    Thompson Boat Center

    3.5(52 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    Great place to go kayaking or paddle boarding! The first time I went I had a strange experience. I…read moreended up losing about 10-15 minutes of paddling time because we were told to put on life jackets then the employee just walked away. My friend and I weren't sure what to do so we just waited. There was another group waiting as well but they were taking pictures and talking with one another. My friend and I had our life jackets on and kept waiting. There were two male employees that were standing on the dock that kept looking up at us but didn't come get us or say anything. After waiting for almost 15 minutes, the boys told us they were waiting for everyone to be ready, referring to the other girls that didn't have their life jackets buckled and were taking pictures. I was a little annoyed that I lost some of my paddling time because of a group that I wasn't associated with and the fact that it took that much time for an employee to tell us what to do. Other than that, I've always had a good time at the boat center. The prices are pretty good and the view and experience are super fun!

    Chaotic dock environment in the mornings with many unsupervised student crews moving boats. I got…read morehit in the head by one once. No apparent dockmaster. I've seen dogs running on the dock and kids playing catch. There are personal items including clothing, shoes, and bottles left underfoot up and down the dock. The person answering the reservation line sounds totally out of it, like they are impaired. This business needs much better supervision. Hopefully new staff will correct things in the 2026 season.

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    Thompson Boat Center
    Thompson Boat Center
    Thompson Boat Center

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    GoBoat

    GoBoat

    4.7(27 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Luxury

    Float DC is a fantastic and fun experience. After you sign up online, you and your group meet at…read morethe dock and he gives you the code for entry in case you have to go back and forth. The driver cannot drink so determine before you go who is doing what and then the DD of the boat will go through a 15 min overview of the boat, steering, storages etc. Everyone must sign waivers online beforehand and the driver is required to take a test on boating safety and protocols. The boats have Bluetooth capabilities so bring your phone and connectors. Life jackets are required and depending on your time slot you'll have a good amount of time to go out and come back. Steering can be a little slow so as the driver you have to be aware of your surrounds and abide by boat etiquette. If you've never steered a motor or sail boat before you may want to take a lesson or hire a captain. Handling the boat in rough water would be difficult without sone experience. All in all we had a really great time and I'd rent again but do a longer session so we can go further down the canal. Definitely recommend for all my water enthusiasts.

    Goboat was a great experience. I really want to give the experience a 5 however, it was missing a…read morescheduler. I booked on Father's Day and there was a lot of double and triple bookings that took place which turned my 2-hr 1:30 booking into a 2-hr 2:15 booking. I had baby boomers in my party so explaining what was going on to them became a little tedious. Even with that hiccup, Benny & Vusi still delivered great customer service, they were helpful in instructing us how to use the boat, as well as personable and professional. Once on the water, I truly no longer cared about the scheduling situation. With that said, I will very much likely be back.

    Photos
    GoBoat - The kids are excited about the ride!

    The kids are excited about the ride!

    GoBoat
    GoBoat

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    The Wharf Boathouse - rafting - Updated May 2026

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